Eldon Dean Buster

Eldon Dean Buster was born April 16th 1926 to Verda (Morris) and Ernest Buster on a farm outside of Burr Oak Kansas. He departed from this life on April 11 at the Jewell County Hospital at 87 years 11 months and 24 days. He attended school in Burr Oak, Kansas, through his junior year and then transferred to Mankato where he graduated. He was united in marriage to Iva Kindler on Jan 12, 1945 and their family started shortly thereafter. He was baptized on July 2, 1960 along with son Eldon (Butch) and daughter Judy.  They lived in Mankato where he managed a Hatchery, Mankato Feed and Seed and a milk delivery service.  His nephew John often rode with him to run the milk bottles up to the houses. The family then moved to Glasco, Kansas, where he managed the lumber yard until they decided that Mankato needed to be their home. He then worked as the bookkeeper and parts man at John Deere Implements until they closed the business and he went  to work for Jewell County until his retirement.

Dean always loved dancing and he and Iva went whenever possible. They also enjoyed playing cards with several of couples they went dancing with. He was a devoted family man who loved his children and grandchildren dearly.  Each and every one of them can tell stories of special times spent with him. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, stating that when they were young he had to be a good shot because if he or his brother Willy didn't shoot a rabbit or catch fish they often had only green beans for supper.

The death of his wife Iva was devastating to him and he never could adjust to being alone. He finally found some comfort in singles dances and went to them whenever and wherever he could. Any woman who had the chance to dance with him said he was the smoothest and considerate partner they had ever known. (his nephew John will agree as they shared a dance one new  years eve just to raise eyebrows) He also loved sports and never missed an event on TV or in Mankato. He attended everything his grandchildren or nieces and nephews participated in whether in town or on the road. His niece Connie and her children will forever hold a very special place in their hearts for the closeness they shared. He was with them nearly every day they were blessed to have had him be so much a part of their family.

Dean was preceded in death by his parents; step-father – John (Slim) Sipe; his wife Iva; brother Earl (Willy); sister-in-law Opal; daughter Sheila; granddaughter Sandy; one grandson and one great grandson.

He is survived by son Eldon (Butch) and wife Monica of Deshler, Nebraska;  daughter Judy Studdard and husband Bud of Randall, Kansas;  daughter Karen Young of Hesston,Kansas; daughter Barb Martin and husband Eric of Farmersville, Texas; cousins, numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be dearly missed by all who have had the pleasure to have shared their lives with him.

A celebration of life service for Eldon Dean Buster will be (was) Tuesday, April 15, 2014, at 10:30 a.m., at the Christian Church, Mankato, Kansas, with Pastor Thaddeus Hinlkle officiating.   Interment will be (was) in the Esbon Cemetery, Esbon, Kansas, next to his wife, Iva Buster.  The family will receive friends, Monday, April 14, 2014, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Mortuary, Mankato, Kansas.  Visitation will be (was) Monday, April 14, 2014, from 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m., at the Melby Mortuary.  The family suggests memorials to Jewell County Hospital Long-term Care, Manakto, Kansas.  Online condolences can be left at [email protected] .  Melby Mortuary, 402 N. High Street, Mankato, Kansas  66956.